Japan is Hong Kong Group I. The veterinary preparation is manageable, but the animal must arrive as manifested cargo with a Special Permit and carrier affidavit.
JP → HK · Dogs and cats
Japan → Hong Kong
Japan is Hong Kong Group I. The veterinary preparation is manageable, but the animal must arrive as manifested cargo with a Special Permit and carrier affidavit.
Primary sources reviewedLast checked: 18 Jul 2026Next source review: 18 Aug 2026
Cabin and ordinary checked baggage do not satisfy Hong Kong’s import mode. Cargo space and breed acceptance remain separate checks.
Relocation or a pre-planned return to Hong Kong
Route timeline
Plan by dependencies, not a flat checklist.
Relocation or a pre-planned return to Hong Kong
- 01Before final booking
Apply for the Hong Kong Special Permit
AFCD states a five-working-day target, but plan for documents, payment and corrections.
Hong Kong AFCD - 0214 days to one year before export
Confirm species-specific core vaccination
Dogs need the listed DHP coverage; cats need the listed panleukopenia/respiratory coverage.
Hong Kong AFCD - 03Within 14 days before export
Complete VC-DC1 and government endorsement
The microchip, health, residence and vaccination statements must match the pet and permit.
Hong Kong AFCD - 04Before booking the operating flight
Secure manifested-cargo acceptance and PC101
Use the fastest/direct routing and obtain the operating carrier’s written acceptance.
Hong Kong AFCD · International Air Transport Association
Source ledger
Official sources
Every conclusion must trace back to an official source. Government forms link directly to the original publisher, and superseded documents are not treated as current requirements.
Hong Kong AFCDCurrent Group I import terms (June 2025 version)18 Jul 2026Japan MAFF Animal Quarantine ServiceExporting dogs and cats from Japan18 Jul 2026International Air Transport AssociationTraveler's Pet Corner18 Jul 2026International Air Transport AssociationPublic pet container requirements: Container Requirement 118 Jul 2026
JP → HK · Data version 2026.07.18.2
Manage this journey in PeqabooManage the complete journey in Peqaboo.
Bring the route, dates and breed-risk choices into Peqaboo to manage records, documents, deadlines and re-checks.